The Do’s And Don’ts Of Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add a touch of style and elegance to your home. It is one of the most popular flooring options across Geelong. Well-maintained hardwood floors not only provide a sturdy visual foundation in the home but also add value to the entire property. However, one big downside of this flooring type is lack of durability. Liquid spillage, excessive moisture and harsh cleaners can cause severe warping to your floors, leading to hefty repairing costs.

They are also vulnerable to scratching from furry friends or moving bulky furniture pieces. What’s worse? Lack of maintenance and cleanliness can even fade their original polish, diminishing its overall look and feel with time.

Worry not! Today, we bring you a list of Do’s and Don’ts of cleaning your highly-invested hardwood floors. With the right methods and products, you can bring back its lost shine in a breeze.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Do Sweep Your Hardwood Floors Regularly

Accumulated dust particles and allergens cause scratches on your hardwood floors over time. Thus, make a regular routine to sweep or vacuum your floors. It is good to use a vacuum without using an abrasive brush attachment to keep your floors in good condition all day long.

2. Do Use a Microfiber Mop

Traditional floor mops are drenched in water and solution that can cause damage to your hardwood floors. Instead, use a microfiber mop to gently remove spills, splatters and debris without leaving excess moisture to the surface. Professional end of lease cleaning Geelong experts recommend regular mopping to maintain the luster shine of floors, especially if you live in a rental property.

3. Act on Spills and Splatters Proactively

Since hardwood floors absorb moisture quickly, accidental spills and splatters can warp its finish over time. Prolonged exposure can cause permanent deterioration. Thus, it is good to wipe up spills and splatters as soon as possible to prevent water damage and nasty staining on your expensive wood finish.

You can use a dry microfiber cloth to gently blot and wipe up the surface without leaving scratches behind. Repeat until you completely soak the moisture.

4. Use a pH Neutral Floor Cleaner

Professionals always use a floor cleaner with a pH level of 7 during a quality end of lease cleaning Geelong. It won’t itch the wood polish while maintain its pristine shine for years. You can use plant-based castile soap solution to dislodge stubborn stains and grime.

However, it is always good to test the product on a hidden spot to see how the product reacts. This can help you prevent damage.

5. Do: Install Floor Protectors

Protect the shine of your hardwood finish by installing high-quality floor protectors underneath your furniture’s legs. These protectors stick to the bottom of your furniture, preventing them from scratching the floors when you move or shift them. You can also install glue felt pads to the legs of your couch, dining table, and other bulky furniture.

6. Do Place Rugs in High-Traffic Areas

Installing rugs and mats in entryways and hallways can protect your hardwood floors from moisture, dirt and scratches. Also, restrict the entry of shoes inside your home to prevent the spread of heavy soil and dirt. Making small efforts and adopting good cleaning habits can make a world of difference. You can also encourage kids to help in cleaning the entire house to maintain a healthy and hygienic indoor environment.

7. Do: Polish Your Floors

Ensure you polish your wooden floors at regular intervals to maintain its pristine shine. This can extend the durability of your floors. Apply a gentle coat of wood floor polish using a microfiber mop. Ensure you work in small directions followed by the wood grain. Let the polish dry completely, and then buff the surface with a dry and clean pad to restore its lost shine.

8. Don’t: Avoid Excess Water and Steam Mop

Believe it or not! Too much moisture can seep deep inside your floors, causing warping and permanent damage. So, never use steam mops to clean your wooden floors. Washing floors is also not the right method. It can further lead to damage. You use a steam cleaning method to clean concrete garage floors or other hard flooring type.

9. Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaning Tools

Steel wools, abrasive brooms and brushes may remove dirt but leave scratches behind. You need to be extra careful when using such tools on delicate floor surfaces. If you are at the end of your tenancy, book experts for a thorough end of lease cleaning Geelong to impress your fussy landlord. They bring all the necessary products to deliver exceptional results.

10. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals, Vinegar and Baking Soda

Never use ammonia, bleach and harsh cleaning products, as they can strip the protective coating, causing dullness and permanent damage. Many people also use DIY products like vinegar to dislodge grime and stains naturally. But these are, in fact, cause more harm than good. The acidic vinegar can itch the wood finish. Also, don’t use alkaline product, such as baking soda, as it can cause dullness.

11. Don’t Drag Furniture

Prevent from dragging furniture or heavy objects on your finished wooden surface. Gently lift and move it around, especially when preparing your property for the final rental inspection. It is good to replace narrow casters with wide rubber or flexible polyurethane casters.

12. Don’t Use Wax or Oil Based Products on Sealed Floors

Avoid using wax and oil-based products on sealed floors as it can settle dust on the surface, making it difficult to remove. Instead, use tried-&-tested products when maintaining your precious and elegant hardwood floors.

What are the Do’s and Don’ts of Hardwood Floor Cleaning?

Wrapping up

Understanding Do’s and Don’ts of cleaning hardwood floors can make your life easier. When you know what really words and what can cause permanent damage can help you maintain clean, shiny and spotless floors all year round.